Namibia boosts grain output but remains fully dependent on wheat imports

Namibia spent N$491.6 mln on wheat imports in the second quarter of 2026, as the country recorded no domestic wheat production during the period. Wheat remained the country’s largest cereal import item.

Total spending on cereal imports in April–June rose 59.9% year on year to N$674.8 mln, up from N$422.1 mln a year earlier. In addition to wheat, Namibia imported corn worth N$173 mln, oats worth N$6.2 mln and rice worth N$3.1 mln.

At the same time, domestic production of controlled agronomy crops increased by 46.8% to 52.5 thsd tons. The entire volume came from white corn, while no wheat or pearl millet production was recorded.

Australia remained Namibia’s largest cereal supplier, accounting for 50.4% of imports, mainly wheat. South Africa supplied 27.1%, while Lithuania accounted for 16%.

Thus, despite stronger corn production, Namibia remains heavily dependent on imported wheat, leaving the domestic market vulnerable to changes in global prices and logistics costs.

Tags: imports, Namibia, grain, wheat